the banks and other business people are bringing us onto the streets. they are stealing our salaries. we do not have any rights anymore. >> hundreds of flights have been canceled across europe. in the portuguese capital, lisbon, many face long waits with nearly half of all flights canceled. >> we arrived at 9:00 in the morning, and we have to wait until 9:00 in the evening. public transport is not working, either, so we are stuck. it is a shame. >> access to ferry service has also been blocked. >> we are witnessing the biggest strike portugal has ever seen. it also has a special significance because it is the first time spanish and portuguese workers are conducting a strike on the very same day. >> strikes are under way in greece, italy, and france, and railway workers in belgium have also walked off the job for 24 hours, affecting both domestic and international services. >> let's go live down to spain now. miles thompson joins us on the line from madrid. what is the latest? >> well, there have been a number of demonstrators, but at the moment, i am on